Her Own Horse & Carriage

Travel with two young children is not easy. We did not bring a stroller to Brussels. We take every opportunity to have the girls walk (our key to a good night sleep). We keep the girls up from 7am until 7pm. We look for boat rides, carriage rides, bus rides, etc. while travelling - anything to give them a rest, but somehow keep going (and not spend the whole afternoon in a hotel room while napping).

Our first carriage ride was in Antwerp in August. We rode a double-decker trolley pulled by four incredibly strong horses. Our next carriage ride was more traditional: a small carriage in Ghent. Our driver was a woman and wore a beautiful hat with a ribbon. Our last carriage ride was in Brugges where we ate chocolates from Dumon, a local chocolatier, in the carriage. In each instance it was just what we all needed: a break from the walking, an English speaking tour guide and a chance to have a light snack. The girls always give an apple to the driver for the horse after our ride (I wish we could give them more). Likewise, they are concerned about the horse's well being, especially when the horse is out in the rain.

Elisabeth and Kate love horses, especially Elisabeth. She said that she wants to have her own horse and carriage when she grows up. She is asking to take riding lessons (do we say yes?). We read Black Beauty together this past summer. Elisabeth is currently reading Meghan's Mischief. As a first step, we're considering visiting a stable with her in Hoeilaart, a Flemish suburb of Brussels.